Dispositional and Contextual Correlates of In-Play Sports Betting and Related Harms: A 2-Week Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Objective: In-play betting is a novel form of sports betting that allows players to make continuous bets during a game. The present study examined the dispositional and contextual correlates of in-play sports betting and related harms. Method: Participants were 84 individuals (73.81% men, M-age = 41.02) who engaged in in-play betting. Participants first completed an online questionnaire including measures of problem gambling severity, childhood trauma, impulsivity, and emotion dysregulation. Participants then completed a 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study involving completing brief surveys twice per day. EMA surveys assessed in-play betting behaviors, motives, contexts, and harms. Results: A total of 1,365 EMA surveys were completed, of which 32.89% involved placing at least one in-play bet. A total of 77 (91.67%) participants placed at least one in-play bet during the study period. Participants reported greater in-play betting involvement (the number of bets placed, money spent) and an increased likelihood of experiencing in-play betting-related financial and relationship harms when using substances while betting and when motivated to place in-play bets by an interest in sports or to be in the game. Participants, who used substances during a greater proportion of in-play betting occasions, who more frequently endorsed coping motives for in-play betting, and who exhibited elevated problem gambling severity, reported greater in-play betting involvement and the likelihood of experiencing in-play betting-related harms overall. Conclusions: Responsible gambling initiatives targeting contextual risk factors, such as using alcohol and cannabis while in-play betting, may help to reduce the intensity of in-play betting and its associated harms.

Automated summary

This study examined the dispositional and contextual correlates of in-play sports betting and related harms. The results showed that individuals who used substances, had an interest in sports, or placed in-play bets to be in the game were more likely to experience financial and relationship harms. Responsible gambling initiatives targeting contextual risk factors, such as substance use while in-play betting, may help to reduce the intensity of in-play betting and its associated harms.